Galapagos

There is no best time to travel to Galapagos Islands as they are a year round destination. Weather and water temperatures are stable and you will be able to see different type of wildlife species depending on the period as most of the species do not migrate.

• from January to April (warm and wet season), is the best time for snorkeling with a warmer water (23-26°C)
• from May to December (cool and dry season), the water is cooler, typically around 20°C (68°F)

• San Cristóbal Island
• Floreana Island
• Española Island
• Isabela Island
• Fernandina Island
• Marchena Island
• Santa Cruz Island
• Baltra (South Seymour) Island
• North Seymour Island
• Pinzon (Duncan) Island
• Santa Fé Island
• Plaza Islands
• Bartolomé Island
• Santiago Island
• Genovesa Island

Language: Spanish

Calling code: +593

Electricity:

• Power sockets: type A and B
• Standard voltage: 120 V
• Standard frequency: 60 Hz

Currency: US dollars

Time zone: Mainland: GMT – 5 / Galapagos : GMT – 6

International airports: Quito, Guayaquil

Direct flights to Quito:

• From Los Angeles (LAX): NONE
• From New York City (NYC): 6h15
• From Miami (MIA): 4h05
• From Vancouver (YVR): NONE
• From Montréal (YUL): NONE
• From Toronto (YYZ): NONE
• From Sydney (SYD): NONE
• From London (LON): NONE

Direct flights to Guayaquil:

• From Los Angeles (LAX): NONE
• From New York City (NYC): 6h50
• From Miami (MIA): 4h15
• From Vancouver (YVR): NONE
• From Montréal (YUL): NONE
• From Toronto (YYZ): NONE
• From Sydney (SYD): NONE
• From London (LON): NONE

Recommended vaccines:

No vaccines are compulsory to enter Galapagos. However, we do recommend you to ask your doctor in advance (3 months) for medical advice on the following vaccinations.

• Routine vaccines:
  • measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine
  • diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (DTP)
  • varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
  • polio vaccine
  • flu shot
• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid Fever 
• Yellow Fever if you travel to the Amazon Rainforest

Galapagos requirements:

You will need to show proof of medical insurance coverage for the duration of your stay to enter the Galapagos Islands. If your insurance bought outside the Galapagos Islands doesn’t meet all the insurance requirements, you might need to buy additional coverage at Quito or Guayaquil airports.

Upon arrival at Baltra or San Cristobal airport, you will have to pay for:

• the entrance fee to Galapagos National Park (100 USD/person)
• the Ingala Migration Card (20 USD/person)

Entry/exit requirements:

General formalities:

You may be asked about your reason for travel and to provide evidence of a return or onward flight/bus ticket when you arrive.

If you enter Ecuador by land from Colombia or Peru, you are required to register with the Ecuadorian immigration office at the border. You must provide your passport and indicate where you are going and how long you intend to remain in Ecuador. Ensure you receive an entry stamp in your passport. Failure to do so may cause significant problems when trying to exit the country.

US CITIZENS

Passport: Valid passport for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Ecuador.

Tourist visa: Not requested for stays of 90 days or less in a 365-day period.

CANADIAN CITIZENS

Passport: Valid passport for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Ecuador.

Tourist visa: Not requested for stays of 90 days or less in a 365-day period.

AUSTRALIAN CITIZENS

If you are travelling to the Galapagos through the United States of America, including Honolulu, you'll need to meet US entry/transit requirements, even if transiting. 

Passport: Valid passport for at least 6 months from the date you intend to return to Australia.

Tourist visa: Not requested for stays of 90 days or less in a 365-day period.

UNITED KINGDOM CITIZENS

Passport: Valid passport for at least 6 months from the date of entry in Ecuador.

Tourist visa: Not requested for stays of 90 days or less in a 365-day period.